A trainee pilot, just one exam away from his dream, has had his wings clipped by thieves who stole his log book.

Andy Haynes today (Friday) appealed for its return after it was stolen along with his car on the day of his final exam.

The badly damaged Ford car was later found in Woolmer Green, Basildon, but there was no sign of the precious log book.

Without it his chances of qualifying as a pilot are in jeopardy. The book gives a detailed history of how Andy has progressed through his training.

It contains invaluable comments from instructors who have sat in on more than 100 flights with him.

Andy, an engineer at Currys in Mayflower Retail Park, Basildon, also lost £500 of work tools and aviation equipment. His car was left a write-off by the thieves who tried to ram open its boot.

The 32-year-old of Essex Way, Brentwood, has spent the last two years working towards his lifelong ambition to be a pilot.

He said: "It was a horrible feeling when I saw the car gone - I am gutted. It took a few moments before I realised my log book was in it.

Andy added: "Passing this last exam means I can carry passengers, but without the log book I am completely lost. The comments from instructors are irreplaceable."

He has so far spent almost £10,000 on lessons and if the log book fails to turn up he will have to copy details of his many flights into a new book. Then, he will have to pay for new flights and possibly re-take his exams.

Peter Bettles, an instructor from Stapleford Flying Club in Romford, where Andy has been training, said the log book was extremely important to a trainee pilot.

He said: "At the end of training, the Civil Aviation Authority goes through it with a fine-tooth comb. If the book is lost it is possible to make up a new one from our records but it can be quite a job."

The missing book is blue and leather-bound with the words Log Book in gold on the front cover.

If you have any information on its whereabouts contact Brentwood Police on 01277 262212.

Broken dream - trainee pilot Andy Haynes is desperate for the return of his log book which was stolen along with his car, which is now a write-off

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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